Tag: Filipino American History Month

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The 2024 Filipino American History Month at the White House

The 2024 Filipino American History Month at the White House
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On October 21, 2024, the White House hosted a special event to celebrate Filipino American History Month (FAHM) organized by the WH Office of Public Engagement and the White House Initiative for Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (WHIAANHPI).

With over 4.4 million Filipinos now calling the United States home, this annual celebration has become a significant occasion for Filipino Americans.

Just like other celebrations in various cities and states, the White House event was a powerful testament to the immense contributions of Filipino Americans to American society. President Biden’s heartfelt written message highlighted our community’s dedication to public service, healthcare, the arts, and countless other fields. His words were a source of inspiration, recognizing the resilience, innovation, and unwavering spirit of the Filipino people.

Hosted and moderated by Kota Mizutani of the WH Office of Public Engagement, the event was filled with insightful discussions and inspiring speeches. Distinguished panelists explored critical issues such as civic engagement, mental health, education, and immigration. Renowned figures like Gina Ortiz Jones, the 27th Undersecretary of the Air Force, and Representative Robert “Bobby” Scott delivered powerful speeches that ignited our passion for service.

Officers of national organizations, Dr. Kevin Nadal and Brendan Flores of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FAHNS) and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) respectively, gave speeches emphasizing their dedication to preserving our heritage and empowering our community.

The various panels presented varying community issues: (1) Civic Engagement and Advocacy moderated by Jason Tengco, the liaison at the  White House Personnel Management; (2) A Fireside Chat with retired White House Chef Cristeta Comerford; (3) Creative/Artists Panel with Jocelyn Enriquez, Carlyle Nuera, Chef Jordan Andino and Patrick Starr.

The afternoon of discussion was concluded by serving attendees with Jollibee Chickenjoy sandwiches.

Beyond the White House Event

While the White House event recognized and presented notable leaders and achievers, it’s important to acknowledge the countless ordinary Filipinos who have made extraordinary contributions to our community and the nation as a whole. Their tireless efforts, sacrifices, and unwavering spirit have paved the way for future generations.

In celebrating this annual Filipino American History Month, let us not forget to honor these unsung heroes and continue to strive for excellence in all that we do. Together, we can build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.

The impact of Filipino American History Month extends far beyond the walls of the White House. Communities across the nation organize various events, from cultural festivals and parades to educational workshops and historical exhibits. These celebrations not only highlight our rich heritage but also foster a sense of belonging and pride within the Filipino American community.

It is through these collective efforts that we can ensure the legacy of our ancestors is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.

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Celebrating Filipino American History Month: Embracing Our Heritage & Culture

Celebrating Filipino American History Month: Embracing Our Heritage & Culture
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In 2009, U.S. Congress passed House Resolution 780 recognizing the celebration of Filipino American History Month in October commemorating the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the United States at Morro Bay, California on October 18, 1587. On this day, Luzones Indios, native Filipino sailors conscripted into the Spanish navy for labor during the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade, came ashore from the Spanish galleon called Nuestra Senora De Esperanza.

Celebrating Filipino American History Month (FAHM) is about more than just marking a date on the calendar; it’s a vibrant tapestry of history, pursuits, accomplishments, and an enduring legacy. This annual event serves as a bridge connecting Filipinos in the United States to their counterparts in the Philippines. It is an occasion to proudly display our shared culture and heritage, reinforcing the ties that bind us across the seas.

While 1587 was the birth of Filipino presence in the United States, waves of Filipino immigration have swept across the nation since 1898. Early immigrants toiled as agricultural workers, laying the foundations for their compatriots who followed. Subsequent waves saw Filipinos diversifying into various sectors such as education, healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing. Today, the Filipino community has excelled in fields ranging from business and sports to politics, entertainment, entrepreneurship, performing arts, and even the military.

With a staggering 4.4 million Filipinos in the United States, states like California, Hawaii, Texas, and others host significant populations. In fact, Filipinos are now the third largest ethnic Asian group in the United States.

On October 1, 2023, President Biden extended a heartfelt greeting to Filipino Americans, acknowledging their indelible contributions to the fabric of American society:

“As educators, entertainers, entrepreneurs, healthcare workers, lawyers, service members, chefs, and much more, Filipinos and Filipino Americans have been instrumental in shaping the American dream. They’ve helped build our great nation while cherishing their roots, weaving the vibrant heritage and rich culture of the Philippines into the tapestry of our nation. Filipinos and Filipino Americans exemplify the very best of our country, prioritizing service over self and strengthening the bonds that unite us as Americans.”

So, how can you partake in the celebration of Filipino American History Month?

  • Join Organized Celebrations: Many cities and states host sponsored events organized by Filipino American community groups and businesses. For instance, in San Francisco, the Filipino American Arts Exposition (FAAE) is joining hands with San Francisco Mayor London Breed and the City and County of San Francisco for a spectacular FAHM celebration on October 26, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the San Francisco City Hall Rotunda. Similar events are sprinkled throughout various states and cities with thriving Filipino populations.
  • Discover Filipino American Artists: Filipino American artists have significantly impacted American culture in art, music, literature, and more. Embrace FAHM by experiencing their creative genius. Watch a Filipino Broadway show like “Here Lies Love” or find a Filipino movie available for streaming online. Consider visiting a museum to admire the works of Filipino artists. In San Francisco, the De Young Museum is currently showcasing 883 works by talented Bay Area artists, including the exceptional creations of Filipino artists Abel Manalo and Michelle Bond.
  • Visit Your First-Generation Family Member: If grand celebrations or museum outings aren’t your cup of tea, take a moment to appreciate and reconnect with your roots. Visit, call, or send a heartfelt text to your first-generation family member who was responsible for petitioning your family’s journey to the United States. It could be your parents, grandparents, or siblings who made it possible for you to thrive as a second or third-generation immigrant. A simple gesture of gratitude can go a long way in recognizing their invaluable contribution to your success.

In essence, Filipino American History Month is a celebration of resilience, cultural richness, and the enduring spirit of a community that has thrived in the United States for centuries. It’s an invitation to explore, appreciate, and pay homage to the Filipino heritage that enriches  America as a nation of immigrants. Join in the festivities, support the arts, and reconnect with your roots to make this month-long celebration truly unforgettable.

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Global Pinoy

What Hinders Relatives of Filipino Veterans from Filing Parole?

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In a special message during last month’s Filipino American History Month, President Obama recognized the contributions of Filipino Americans especially the Filipino soldiers who fought under the U.S. flag in World War II.

Under the Obama administration, a program called the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program (FWVP) was launched in June 2016. Under this program, certain family members of Filipino veterans may travel, live and work in the United States while awaiting for their immigrant visas to become available. The goal of this program is to allow loved ones to provide support and care for elderly veterans and their spouses.

There is no question that relatives of the Filipino veterans are enthusiastic to travel to the United States to be with their elderly parents.

Mr. Santos, 88 year old, has been residing in the United States since 1993 after he was naturalized as a U.S. citizen based on his being a Filipino World War II veteran. He was not able to petition his children until 1997. In the meantime, his spouse, whom he petitioned, arrived in the United States in 1998 but passed away in 2002. He had always wanted to be reunited with his children and waited for many years now for the petitions to be current for visa processing.

In the last few years, Mr. Santos has been feeling really weak and sickly. He could not travel back to the Philippines because of his medical condition. He heard about the Filipino Veterans Parole Program during the summer and applied for parole for his adult children. Last month, he got an approval of his parole applications. His children are now awaiting for an interview before the U.S. Embassy for the issuance of their parole documents. Hopefully, they can be reunited by this coming Christmas season.

Not a lot of veterans or surviving spouses are as fortunate as Mr. Santos in the application for parole for their adult children in the Philippines. There are obvious barriers that applicants should overcome in filing for parole. Among the issues that are being faced by the veterans are:

  1. inability to find sponsors for their Affidavits of Support;
  2. no streamlined process for FWVP expedite processing of I-130;
  3. inability of elderly veterans residing in the Philippines to travel back to the U.S. because of illness;
  4. complicated process of obtaining humanitarian reinstatement of revoked petitions.

The filing fee of $360 per application is too expensive for the veterans. But while these fees may be waived for the veteran or surviving spouse, not a lot of applicants are aware of the process. When the veteran has passed away, the surviving spouse must show that there is an approved petition from the veteran and that this petition must be reinstated. Obtaining approval of a request for humanitarian reinstatement is a complicated process for the surviving spouse or beneficiaries.

In addition, the lack of outreach programs regarding the FWVP and available service providers remain major challenges to the prospective beneficiaries. With an altruistic program such as FWVP, there must be resolutions to the issues presented to attain the goal of family unity for our Filipino veterans family.

(Atty. Lourdes S. Tancinco is a partner at Tancinco Law Offices, a San Francisco based law firm and may be reached at law@tancinco.com, facebook.com/tancincolaw, tancinco.weareph.com/old or 1 888 930 0808)